MP Cheryl Gallant Welcomes Three New Federal-Provincial Initiatives

March 27, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, welcomed three important initiatives which support provincial programs that provide assistance for workers and communities who have been negatively affected by the rapid appreciation in the Canadian dollar, softening in the US economy, high oil prices, and intense competition from emerging economies, as well as support for public transit and policing.

“The Government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper is committed to the federalism of openness, an approach to federal-provincial relations that relies on respect for jurisdiction and productive collaboration to get things done for the people of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke,” MP Cheryl Gallant said. “These three initiatives contribute to Ontario’s competitive strengths and encourage the province to invest in workers and communities. Our Governments have collaborated on a number of projects that have delivered real, direct benefits to Ontarians during the last two years. I look forward to their continued co-operation,” stated MP Gallant.

The Community Development Trust will provide Ontario with $358 million to support programs that improve productivity and competitiveness, technology development and training for workers and communities facing challenges in industries such as agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing, including automotive manufacturers.

The Police Officers Recruitment Fund allocated to Ontario its share of the national Fund. Over the next five years, the province will receive $156 million to improve public safety and security by putting more officers on the streets of Ontario’s cities and towns.

The Public Transit Capital Trust expands on existing federal support for public transit in Ontario by providing $195 million in new funding. The province will direct the funds into its ambitious plans for expanding public transit, including its MoveOntario 2020 transit plan.

“My constituents can count on me to be in my seat, making their voices heard, representing their interests in Parliament. Likewise, it takes a strong and effective leader to govern in a minority Parliament. This latest set of agreements demonstrate that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is more that capable as leader of our nation. These federal initiatives will provide support for our efforts as the Ontario economy adjusts to new challenges in the global economy.”

“I want to congratulate the Province of Ontario for developing programs that will use these federal funds to strengthen the Ontario economy, improve public safety, and expand the public transit system,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP. “By working together, our governments are able to get things done for all Ontarians.”